Our Story
Jenny and Alex first set up Nova Sports in 2017 having attended the University of Bath and studying Sport and Social Sciences together. After graduation, an obvious lack of opportunities in Bath for disability sport led to the realisation that there was a huge need for some specialist provision. From this was born Nova Sports and Coaching, a not-for-profit C.I.C!
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"Our passion for helping people with disabilities derives from numerous volunteering hours across many years prior to Nova Sport. We had no family members or friends specifically linked to having a disability that prompted us to set up the business, just a huge desire to help people who don’t have the same quality opportunities as others!
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Nova Sports continues to thrive and helps around 1,000 people a year! We are qualified to coach more than 12 sports such as wheelchair basketball, powerchair football, boccia, rugby, skiing and loads more!
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We have created an organisation that is like no other in the country and we are exceptionally proud of it. All of what we have achieved would not be possible without such fantastic support from participants, parents, organisations, funders and friends.
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Thank you for taking the time to find out about us".
Jenny and Alex
Who We Are
Nova Sports & Coaching work with children and adults with learning, physical and sensory disabilities through sport and physical activity.
We are a small, passionate team who really want to make a difference in our local communities and help individuals improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
We make special effort to ensure that our participants are having as much fun as possible and that our activities are tailored specifically to their individual needs.
Based in Bath, we also work in Frome, Bristol and the surrounding areas.
Our Goal
Without intervention, people with disabilities will continue to experience such a drastic inequality when it comes to being active.
It is Nova Sports’ goal to help everyone, regardless of their ability/disability, to give them the freedom, autonomy and choice to take part in physical activity.
With 4 out of 5 people with disabilities (81%) wanting to be more active, our wide offer of different sports and options ensures that individuals are able shine to fulfil their potential.
Meet Our Team
Jenny Johnson - Director
Jenny has great experience in the sports development industry and specialises in working with schools and community groups. A coach in powerchair football, boccia and athletics, she has helped set-up a number of sports teams and even runs a regional sports league!
Alex Johnson - Director
Alex is an experienced coach and is qualified across rugby and wheelchair basketball, as well as skiing and even dodgeball! His versatility means he can deliver sessions across a wide variety of sports and enjoys developing both participants and volunteers.
Kieran Cunningham
- Community Sports Coach
Kieran officially joined Nova in February 2019 after demonstrating fantastic ability to engage with younger kids in a sporting environment. With a background in rugby, football and fishing, Kieran throws himself into every challenge and holds his Level 2 Coaching qualification in rugby. He also has a huge passion for boccia and is a qualified official of the sport.
George Dobson
-Community Sports Coach
George is one of our longest-serving coaches and helps at our SuperNova Sports Club each week. He has experience across loads of different sports and gains lots of SEN experience whilst working full-time in a special school. George also supports our holiday activity programmes and Liverpool FC.
Ryan Perrett
- Sports Development Officer
Ryan joined Team Nova having studied Sports Development at University and specialises in both football and badminton. He leads the delivery of sport sessions as well as creating more opportunities for people to be active in central and southern Somerset!
Rob Pickup - Director
Rob joins Nova Sports in the role of a Director having proven himself to be exceptionally capable in many areas in the sports industry. Rob's passions involve rugby, quizzes, and hosting his own radio show. We even get the occasional shout-out when we deserve it!
Will Ayliffe - Wheelchair Sports Coach
Will is the Head Coach of the Bath Romans Wheelchair Basketball Club (adult section). As well as helping Nova coach in schools, Will also holds international honours in Wheelchair Rugby 7s (not the Paralympic version) and is a former Head Referee for UK Wheelchair 7s!
Emily Preater - Hydrotherapy Teacher
Emily is an advanced Halliwick Instructor who leads and delivers the Bath Otters Hydrotherapy Club. Emily has lots of experience in the pool working with students in a special school as her main job, although this does mean she has to listen to Disney songs all day! You're Welcome!
Lara Latchem - Director
Lara was appointed a Director in 2023 having used Nova's services right from the very beginning. A mum of two boys who attend our activities, Lara brings a wealth of expertise in fundraising, event management, and talking, enabling her to be the perfect voice for the families we work with so that their views are heard!